Attention to Paradise: A guided retreat with Thomas Merton led by Gary Hall

Title: Attention to Paradise: A guided retreat with Thomas Merton led by Gary HallLocation: Launde AbbeyDescription: To love the world: Thomas Merton at 100

2015 is the centenary of the birth of Thomas Merton, one of the most influential Christian writers of the twentieth century. Born in France during the First World War, he entered an American Trappist monastery a few days after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. He had recently written an autobiographical novel with the working title, Journal of My Escape from the Nazis. After spending the second half of his life almost entirely within the monastic enclosure of Gethsemani Abbey, Merton was granted permission to travel, and in Thailand met his death. His body was flown back to the US in a Strategic Air Command bomber, like the bodies of American soldiers killed in the Vietnam War.

MertonÂs vocation as contemplative monk-writer was a radical commitment to Christ in politically and personally turbulent times. How can Merton guide our own living through turbulent times?

This retreat is suitable for those who are familiar with Merton and for those who arenÂt, for people who seek a little solitude as well as for those who want to gather as a community of readers.

Gary Hall is a Minister and theological educator currently teaching a range of courses in practical theology at The QueenÂs Foundation, Birmingham, including a course on Thomas Merton, ÂTheology, Experience and Writing.Â Gary has contributed to Merton conferences, study days and retreats for more than 20 years, and was keynote speaker at the Merton Conference in Oakham in 2014. He writes on how Merton continues to address some of the most critical cultural, political and social realities of our times, and is an editor of the Merton Journal.